The Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year in our country and also the day when yin energy is at its peak. After the Winter Solstice, sunlight gradually increases, yin energy slowly decreases, and the daytime becomes progressively longer. Therefore, the Winter Solstice is a very special day. It is an important solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar and a traditional Chinese festival, commonly known as “Winter Festival,” “Festival of the Longest Night,” and “Sub New Year,” among others.
In ancient China, great importance was placed on the Winter Solstice, which was considered a significant holiday, with the most emphasis on winter tonics. Thus, many people would eat and drink well on this day.
People believe that after the Winter Solstice, daylight hours become longer each day, yang energy begins to rise, marking the start of a new seasonal cycle and a lucky day that should be celebrated.
Winter Solstice Health Preservation
Since “Qi begins at the Winter Solstice,” from winter onwards, vital activities transition from flourishing to waning and from dynamic to static.
Scientific health preservation can help ensure vigorous vitality while preventing premature aging, contributing to longevity.
During the Winter Solstice period, your diet should be diverse, with a reasonable combination of grains, fruits, meats, and vegetables, and an appropriate selection of high-calcium foods.
Winter Solstice Customs
The “Counting of the Nines” begins at the Winter Solstice, making the day the first day of the count.
A folk song about “Counting the Nines” goes: “On the first and second nines, hands stay in pockets; on the third and fourth nines, walk on ice; on the fifth and sixth nines, willows sprout along the riverbanks; on the seventh nine, rivers thaw; on the eighth nine, swallows return; by the ninth nine plus another nine, oxen plow the fields everywhere.”
Tea Helps Cultivate Yang Energy
After the Winter Solstice, although it may still be bitterly cold and freezing, the first signs of yang energy begin to emerge, slowly brewing and flowing. To cultivate yang energy, one can drink some warming teas, such as ripe Pu'er tea, black tea, aged White Tea, aged Tieguanyin, rock Oolong, and dark tea, among others.
The warm nature of these teas produces a warm-colored infusion, which is visually comforting. The fermentation process removes the sharp edges from the tea, making it gentle on the stomach and nourishing, making them perfect for winter consumption.
The smooth and rich taste sends a wave of warmth through the body. In the bone-chilling cold of winter, it has a warming effect and can melt away the melancholy of the season.
After the Winter Solstice, during leisure time, you might consider sitting around with family and brewing tea. Drinking warm tea in the cold can help cultivate yang energy, allowing you to quietly savor the moment and reflect on the cycle of the seasons, sharing the warmth and happiness.
The sparks from the tea Stove and the mist rising from the teapot gradually illuminate the scene amidst laughter and conversation.